Living Arrangements for ESL Students at the University of Bridgeport

Dormitory

The University offers on-campus housing for ELI students with separate floors for men and women, cooking facilities in the basement, free Internet access, cable television, laundry facilities, local telephone service, and a microwave/ refrigerator unit in each room. Two students are assigned to each room. We will try to give you a roommate who speaks a different language so you can practice your English.

Students 17 to 21 must live on campus. Students under 17 or who have not graduated from high school must arrange for suitable approved housing off campus and submit a letter from their parents or guardian supporting the arrangement.

Students should bring towels and bedding for a single-size bed unless they wish to purchase these items after they arrive. The ELI Liaison will take new students by bus to a nearby shopping mall on the first Saturday to purchase any needed items.

Food

ELI students living on campus during the fall and spring semester have meals at Marina Dining Hall included as part of their housing plan. During the summer sessions a reduced meal plan at Knights End Café, located in the Student Center basement, is included. Off-campus students may go to the Marina office and purchase “Dining Dollars” to use at Marina and at the Knights End Café.

Health Services

New students must check in with Health Services to be sure they have the required immunizations. Immunizations required by the State of Connecticut for dormitory residents are measles, tuberculosis, and meningitis. Please try to bring proof of immunization with you when you come. Students will not be permitted to attend class if they are not cleared by Health Services.

Health Services is open 5 days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for students feeling sick. If you need to see a doctor, the nurse will help you make an appointment. If you should feel very sick during the night or on a weekend, talk to your RA or Campus Security. You can go to a local hospital if necessary.

All ELI students are required to purchase medical insurance through the University's program. Only students living locally who have insurance through an American company are exempt. Insurance cards will be issued to new students and should be carried at all times. The requirement to purchase medical insurance through the University is for students' protection, as hospitals and doctors here do not accept insurance from some international companies, and medical care is extremely expensive.

What To Bring

Here are some things you might want to bring:

• Extra eyeglasses
• Over-the-counter medicine—you may not be able to get what you're used to
• Warm coat, hat, gloves for the winter months (November through March)
• Electric adaptor for voltage change
• Laptop computer
• International driver's license
• Credit card
• One set of formal clothes
• Postcards of your country
• Photos of family/friends